The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted over 69,375 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in Adamawa and Taraba States, marking one of its largest seizures under the ongoing “Operation Whirlwind.”
This was disclosed on Sunday through its official X handle.
NCS stated that the development was announced during a press briefing on Thursday, 31 July, at the Customs Headquarters in Yola, by Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Hussain Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
“This briefing is to inform the public of recent breakthroughs in our operations against smuggling and economic sabotage within Zone D,” ACG Ejibunu stated.
He also revealed that in the past six weeks, Customs operatives had seized 2,276 jerrycans of 25 litres of PMS and 19 jerrycans of AGO, totalling over 69,000 litres, all concealed for illegal export to a neighbouring country.
The seizures were made across well-known smuggling routes, including Malabu–Belel, Girei–WuroBokki, Gurin–Fufore, Jam Terry, Maiha, Jimeta Waterside, and the Mubi–Sahuda axis. Two vehicles used for transporting the smuggled products were also impounded.
He issued a stern warning to individuals who attack Customs operatives while performing their lawful duties.
“The Service will not tolerate any form of aggression against its officers. Such acts are criminal and will be met with the full force of the law,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Customs Area Comptroller for Adamawa/Taraba Command, Comptroller Garba Bature Bashir, commended officers’ efforts under Operation Whirlwind and emphasised that smuggling seriously threatens national development.
“Smuggling undermines economic growth, threatens national security, and erodes citizens’ welfare.
“This fight is not for Customs alone, but a shared responsibility. With collaboration and intelligence sharing, we can defeat this menace,” Bashir said.
He urged the media and patriotic Nigerians to support anti-smuggling efforts through public sensitisation and timely intelligence sharing.
Other dignitaries at the briefing included the Deputy National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Ike Oladeji, and the State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Bashir Sirajo. Both commended the officers’ dedication and reiterated the call for zero tolerance for violence against personnel.
The NCS further announced that the seized PMS would be resold to the public at ₦10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan, in line with federal directives to alleviate fuel hardship.
